Off-line graphical user interface system and method for three-dimensional measurement

ABSTRACT

An off-line graphical user interface (GUI) system and method provide for input control of a three-dimensional coordinate measuring machine (CMM) using the CMM&#39;s probe. A GUI image presents a plurality of control operation icons associated with the CMM. A controller uses the CMM to locate the GUI image in a coordinate system of the CMM. The controller defines coordinates of the control operation icons and references the coordinates to the coordinate system of the CMM. The controller also defines a function activation zone associated with each of the control operation icons. Each function activation zone defines criteria relating movement of the CMM&#39;s probe therein to the operational function of the CMM associated with one of the control operation icons corresponding thereto. Satisfaction of the criteria causes the operational function of the CMM to be carried out by the CMM.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to machine control via a graphical userinterface, and more particularly to a system and method that uses anoff-line graphical user interface for control of, for example,three-dimensional coordinate measuring machines.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Three-dimensional “coordinate measuring machines” (CMM) are well-knownin the field of metrology. A CMM allows a user to precisely measure anobject in three-dimensional space by precisely recording a number ofpoints on the object. One type of CMM is known as a “portable CMM” sinceit can be readily transported/set-up where needed. A portable CMMincludes a probe that is hand-held and manipulated by a user. In ameasurement operation, the user touches the probe to a number of pointson an object being measured. The three-dimensional coordinates of thepoints are recorded on a computer coupled to the probe in a hardwired orwireless fashion.

Between one or more probe touches, the user must use the computer toidentify how the probe is about to be used, i.e., identify theoperational mode of the probe. For example, if the user is about tomeasure points on a circular portion of an object, the user must “tell”the CMM's computer that the next series of probe touches should be fitto a circle. Currently, the user supplies the CMM's computer with anoperational mode selection via a mouse of keyboard coupled to the CMM'scomputer. That is, the user generally releases the probe, sets it down,etc., and then uses his hands to make his mode selection using the CMM'smouse/keyboard. The user must then pick up the probe and perform his oneor more measurement “touches” associated with the mode selection. Tochange modes (or calibrate the CMM, edit settings such as instrumentsampling rate, etc.), the user must repeat the “probe release, computerinput, probe pick-up” sequence. Over the course of a typical measurementoperation, this back-and-forth handling can be time-consuming andtedious.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide asystem and method that improves a user's efficiency when operating aportable CMM.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system andmethod that minimizes back-and-forth use of a CMM's computer inputdevices and the CMM's probe.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become moreobvious hereinafter in the specification and drawings.

In accordance with the present invention, an off-line graphical userinterface (GUI) system and method provide for input control of athree-dimensional coordinate measuring machine (CMM) using the CMM'sprobe. A GUI image is displayed on a platform. The GUI image exists inat least two dimensions and presents a plurality of control operationicons associated with the CMM. Each control operation icon is indicativeof an operational function of the CMM. A controller, interfacing withthe CMM, uses the CMM to locate the GUI image in a coordinate system ofthe CMM. The controller defines coordinates of the control operationicons and references the coordinates to the coordinate system of theCMM. The controller also defines a function activation zone associatedwith each of the control operation icons. Each function activation zoneextends from one of the control operation icons associated therewith andis referenced to the coordinate system of the CMM. Each functionactivation zone defines criteria relating movement of the CMM's probetherein to the operational function of the CMM associated with one ofthe control operation icons corresponding thereto. Satisfaction of thecriteria causes the operational function of the CMM to be carried out bythe CMM.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent upon reference to the following description of thepreferred embodiments and to the drawings, wherein correspondingreference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the severalviews of the drawings and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an off-line graphical user interface (GUI)system for use with a three-dimensional coordinate measuring machine(CMM) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an image of a typical GUI displayed on a CMM's monitor;

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of the process steps used to carry out theoff-line GUI method for use with a CMM in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an off-line GUI image displayed on aplatform in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the GUI image in FIG. 4 illustratingthe spatial operation zones defined over each control operation icondepicted thereon in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the GUI image in FIG. 4 illustratingthe spatial operation zones defined over each control operation icondepicted thereon in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a portion of a GUI image's control operationicon with the icon's spatial operation zone and its inclusive functionactivation zone defined immediately adjacent to the icon in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective side view of an off-line GUI image displayedthree-dimensionally on a platform to include reference positions used bya CMM to locate the off-line GUI image;

FIG. 8 is an isolated cross-sectional view of a three-dimensional buttonicon and its spatial operation zone in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 9 is an isolated cross-sectional view of a three-dimensionalscrolling icon and its spatial operation zones in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an isolated cross-sectional view of a three-dimensionalgesturing icon and its spatial operation zone in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is an isolated cross-sectional view of a conical depression usedto define a reference position in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a measurement table used for CMMmeasurements with an off-line GUI image applied to the table's worksurface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIG. 1, anoff-line graphical user interface (GUI) system in accordance with thepresent invention is illustrated and is contained within dashed-line boxreferenced by numeral 10. Off-line GUI system 10 is used in conjunctionwith a conventional three-dimensional coordinate measuring machine (CMM)100, the particular design of which is not a limitation of the presentinvention. Indeed, a great advantage of the present invention is itsability to be used with a variety of different types of CMMs 100. Itwill be assumed herein that CMM 100 is a portable CMM that can bereadily transported and set-up where needed.

Prior to describing off-line GUI system 10, the Essential features andattributes of CMM 100 will be described. A hand-held and manipulatedprobe 102 is used to make contact with selected points on objects (notshown) to be measured. Probe 102 is “coupled” (e.g., mechanically,electrically in a hardwire or wireless fashion, and/or optically) to aprobe operations support 104 and a processor 106 where the dashedcoupling line is representative of a variety of types of physical and/orcommunication couplings. For example, operations support 104 could be anarticulating arm having a fixed base with probe 102 being attached tothe outboard end of the articulating arm. In this example, probe 102 ishardwired to processor 106 via wiring in operations support 104. Probe102 could also be a free-standing ball whose position is read by opticalbeams in line-of-sight with probe 102. In this example, operationssupport 104 is indicative of optical beam sources placed inline-of-sight communication with probe 102 with the optical beamsources, in turn, being coupled to processor 106 in a hardwired orwireless fashion. Accordingly, it is to be understood that theparticular structure of probe 102 and operations support 104 are notlimitations of the present invention.

As mentioned above, CMM 100 also includes processor 106 that isprogrammed with the metrology software used to control and interpretmovements and touches of probe 102. Briefly and is known in the art,such metrology software defines a three-dimensional coordinate space andknows the exact position of probe 102 in this coordinate space as probe102 moves therein. In this way, each time processor 106 records a probetouch, the touched point is precisely defined in the metrology'scoordinate space.

CMM further typically includes at least two peripheral devices, i.e.,input control 108 and a display 110. Input control 110 can include akeyboard, a mouse, and/or any other user-operated control that canprovide user inputs to processor 106. These user inputs are used tocontrol the metrology software to include selecting the operational modeof probe 102. Choices and constructions for input control 108 are wellunderstood in the art. Similarly, display 110 can be any display onwhich a user can view current operational modes of probe 102, imagesgenerated by the metrology software, measurement and/or calibrationdata, etc.

Typically, one of the items displayed on display 110 is a GUI 112. Interms of CMM 100, GUI 112 presents an image of the various operationalmodes of probe 102 as well as other routines that can be performed withthe metrology software on processor 106. By way of illustration, theimage of an exemplary GUI 112 is illustrated in FIG. 2 where variousprobe operational icons or “buttons” 112A are presented, variousoption/calibration buttons 112B are presented, a HELP button 112C ispresented, a drop down menu button 112D is presented, and toggle buttons112E are presented. It is to be understood that this GUI layout and itscontrol operation buttons are not limitations of the present inventionas more or fewer control options/operations could be presented thereby.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the conventional way of selecting anoperational mode for a probe 102 is for input control 108 to “select” abutton displayed on GUI 112 whereby processor 106 causes probe 102 to beplaced in the selected mode. In terms of a single operator, suchoperation generally requires the operator to set down probe 102 andoperate input control 108. The present invention eliminates the need foran operator to use input control 108. That is, an off-line GUI system 10in accordance with the present invention allows an operator to use probe102 for CMM operations and for CMM control.

Off-line GUI system 10 includes at least one off-line GUI image 12 and acontroller 14. For simplicity of illustration, only one off-line GUIimage 12 is shown. However, one or more additional off-line GUI images(not shown) could also be provided where each off-line GUI image couldpresent a unique set of controls/operations for CMM 100, or couldpresent a set of control/operations associated with a different CMM. Theterm “off-line” as used herein means passive or inert with respect tosignal generation, transmission or reception. That is, each GUI image 12in the present invention is nothing more than a two or three-dimensionalgraphical image presentation. In terms of the present invention, eachGUI image 12 presents a number of icons, each of which is associatedwith some function of CMM 100. For example, GUI image 12 could mimic thepresentation of icons used for GUI 112. However, GUI image 12 is not solimited as it could present more or fewer icons (as compared to GUI 112)without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Controller 14 carries out a number of functions for system 10. Forsimplicity of description, these functions are broken out as moduleswithin controller 14. However, it is to be understood that the variousmodules may not be so clearly delineated in actual practice. It isfurther to be understood that controller 14 could be inclusive ofseparate hardware that is interfaced with processor 106 of CMM 100, butcould also be incorporated in the hardware defining processor 106. Thatis, controller 14 and its functions could be incorporated into thehardware structure of CMM 100 without departing from the scope of thepresent invention.

The basic functions provided by controller 14 include module 140 forlocating off-line GUI image 12, module 142 for defining coordinates ofoff-line GUI image 12, module 144 for defining control zones for each ofthe icons presented in GUI image 12, and module 146 or defining functionactivation zones for each of the icons presented in GUI image 12. Eachof the modules will be described briefly below with more details beingprovided later herein during the operational description of system 10.

Module 140 essentially invokes and uses the coordinate measurementfunction of CMM 100 to locate GUI image 12 in the coordinate space ofCMM 100. As will be explained further below, module 140 could also beused to identify the type of off-line GUI image 12 being located. Forexample, when system 10 has multiple unique off-line GUI imagesassociated therewith, module 140 could also be used to identify theparticular off-line GUI image and its icons. Module 142 defines the“local” coordinates of the various icons presented by GUI image 12 wherethe local coordinates are then referenced or converted to coordinates inthe coordinate space of CMM 100. Module 144 defines three-dimensionalspatial zones associated with each of the icons presented by GUI image12 that, when entered by probe 102, identify a particular operationalmode of CMM 100 to processor 106. Finally, module 146 defines a functionactivation zone within each of the spatial zones defined by module 144where each function activation zone defines criteria related to movementof probe 102 therein. When this specified movement is performed by probe102, processor 106 implements the particular operational mode associatedwith the spatial zones' icon.

Operation of off-line GUI system 10 in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention will now be described with the aid of FIGS. 3-6.Referring first to FIG. 3, a flow diagram of a series of process stepsimplemented by system 10 in accordance with an embodiment thereof ispresented. At step 200, a user of CMM 100 actively or passively selectsoff-line GUI image control in accordance with the present invention. Forexample, active selection could involve user-toggling of a controlbutton presented on GUI image 112 (FIG. 1) where such action indicatesto processor 106 that the user will next be locating off-line GUI image12 in the coordinate space of CMM 100. Then, the user proceeds to step202 where CMM 100 is used to locate off-line image 12. While this stepis generally known in the art of CMM, one way of effecting thisoperation will be explained later herein. Further, in the case wheresystem 10 has multiple and unique off-line GUI images associatedtherewith, step 202 can include an optional step 202A of automaticallyidentifying the particular off-line GUI image (and its particular icons)as it is being located. One way of achieving this will be describedlater below.

Passive implementation of step 200 could simply be keyed to locating GUIimage 12 where such action places GUI image 12 in the coordinate spaceof CMM 100 and automatically makes modules 142, 144 and 146 available toprocessor 106. Also, note that off-line GUI control in accordance withthe present invention need not be exclusive. That is, off-line GUIcontrol could be invoked with conventional input control 108 remainingactive if needed.

Once off-line GUI image 12 has been located in the coordinate space ofCMM 100, modules 142, 144 and 146 allow system 10 to provide GUI controlof CMM 100 using probe 102 and GUI image 12. Such control will beexplained with additional reference to FIGS. 4-6 where an exemplaryoff-line GUI image 22 is a two-dimensional image of control operationicons/buttons presented on a platform 20. By way of illustration, GUIimage 22 presents two push button icons 22A, a scroll up icon 22B, ascroll down icon 22C, and a gesturing or leafing icon 32D. Additional,fewer, and/or different types of control operation icons can bepresented without departing from the scope of the presented invention.Platform 20 can be flexible (e.g., paper, cardboard, rubber, etc.) orrigid (e.g., wood, metal, plastic, composite, etc.) without departingfrom the scope of the present invention. Platform 20 can also includeattachment devices 24 (e.g., adhesive strips, VELCRO strips, magnets,etc.) that facilitate the temporary or permanent fixing of platform 20to a surface (not shown).

Since GUI image 22 is located by CMM 100 and since module 142 definesthe local coordinates of icons 22A-22D (i.e., the relative positions ofthe icons on GUI image 22), the icons are readily referenced to thecoordinate space of CMM 100 by processor 106. That is, thetwo-dimensional footprint of each icon is located in the coordinatespace of CMM 100. In accordance with the present invention, each oficons 22A-22D is further defined in a third dimension also referenced tothe CMM's coordinate space to thereby define a volumetric or spatialzone in the CMM's coordinate space as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B.For example, the spatial zones 26A-26D corresponding to icons 22A-22D,respectively, could simply be three-dimensional extensions of eachicons' two-dimensional print as illustrated in FIG. 5A. However, thepresent invention is not so limited as the three-dimensional extensionscould occupy a smaller footprint than their icon's two-dimensionalfootprint as illustrated for spatial zones 26A in FIG. 5B. Other shapesfor the spatial zones could also be used without departing from thescope of the present invention.

Using the above-described structure and definitions of GUI image 12, thepresent method continues with step 204 (FIG. 3) where CMM 100 determinesif probe 102 is in one of spatial zones 26A-26D. If not, no CMMoperation is performed. However, if CMM 100 determines that probe 102 isin one of spatial zones 26A-26D, probe 102 is positioned to place CMM100 in the operational mode defined by the icon associated with thespatial zone. Entry into an icon's spatial zone could be used to triggerone or more responses such as an audible response 206 (e.g., tone,speech identifying the control operation associated with the icon, etc.)and/or a visual response 208 (e.g., separate light display, highlightingof the corresponding icon on GUI image 112, etc.). Accordingly, system10 can also include one or more output device(s) 16 to generate theaudible and/or visual response when CMM 100 determines that probe 102 isin one of spatial zones 26A-26D. The optional nature of responses 206and 208 is indicated in FIG. 3 by the dashed line illustrations thereof.

Prior to explaining the next step in the present invention, referencewill be made to FIG. 6 where a single icon 32 is presented on a surfaceof platform 30. The spatial zone associated with icon 32 is referencedby dashed lines 36. In addition, a function activation zone (defined bymodule 146) associated with icon 32 is referenced by dotted lines 38.Function activation zone 38 is generally a smaller spatial zone thatfits within spatial zone 36 and is immediately adjacent to icon 32. Thecoordinates of zone 38 are defined locally by module 146 and arereferenced to the coordinate space of CMM 100 when the off-line GUIimage incorporating icon 32 is located. Function activation zone 38defines the type of probe movement that is required to activate thecontrol operation mode indentified by icon 32. By way of example, threetypes of probe movement criteria are illustrated in FIG. 6. Up/downarrows 40/42 are indicative of “push button” criteria where probe 102must enter zone 38 and then leave it shortly thereafter. Arrow-to-block44 is indicative of a “push-and-hold” criteria where probe 102 enterszone 38 and remains there as long as a user wants an operation (e.g., ascrolling operation) to continue. Arrow-in-and-over sequence 46 isindicative of a gesturing or leafing criteria where probe 102 enterszone 38 and is moved (e.g., left or right) therein to cause a leafing orpaging operation. It is to be understood that other types of probemovement criteria could be used without departing from the scope of thepresent invention.

Referring again to FIG. 3, step 210 of the process determines if probe102 has entered the particular function actuation zone 38. If not, noCMM operation is performed. If the probe is in the function activationzone, one or both of an audible response 212 and visual response 214 canbe generated. Finally, at step 216, the process determines if probe 102has performed the requisite movement thereof within the particularfunction activation zone 38. If not, no CMM operation is performed. Ifthe requisite probe movement has been performed, the CMM will enter theprescribed operational mode and/or perform the prescribed task. Audibleand/or responses could also be provided to indicate this result,however, the user will typically be able to see that this has occurredas the action will be visible on display 110 of CMM 100.

As mentioned above, an off-line GUI image in accordance with the presentinvention can be presented in two or three dimensions. Further, as alsomentioned above, locating an off-line GUI image can be facilitated inthe present invention when reference positions are provided on the GUIimage. Accordingly, FIG. 7 illustrates a GUI image 52 in which each icon52A-52D is presented in three dimensions on a platform 50 and in whichthree reference positions 54 are also presented in three dimensions. Theshapes shown are exemplary as it is to be understood that the particulargeometric shapes of the icons and reference positions are notlimitations of the present invention.

Push button icons 52A (one of which is shown in cross-section in FIG. 8)are defined by a body 520 extending up from platform 50 with adepression 521 formed in body 520. Depression 521 forms a target orcradle for the tip of probe (not shown) when a user is selecting theoperation associated with one of icons 52A. The surface of depression521 could be uniquely colored or have the operation printed thereon.Further, body 520 could be made from an elastic material so a user couldreceive tactile feedback when pressing on it with probe 102. Stillfurther, while the spatial zone 56 (i.e., analogous to spatial zone 36described above) could extend to the periphery of icon 52A, the icon'sfunction activation zone 58 (i.e., analogous to function activation zone38 described above) could be limited to a volumetric region abovedepression 521 as shown in FIG. 8 to thereby encourage user precisionwhen selecting this icon.

Scroll button icons 52B and 52C (also shown in cross-section in FIG. 9)are each defined by a wedge-shaped body 522 formed on platform 50. Arrowindicia 523 can be printed on each body 522, or could be depressed into522 similar to the way depression 521 is formed in body 520. Each body522 could also be made from an elastic material. Exemplary spatial zones56 and function activation zones 58 are also illustrated in FIG. 9.

Gesturing or leafing icon 52D (also shown in cross-section in FIG. 10)is defined by a crescent-shaped trough 524 formed in platform 50. Notethat icon 52D could also be constructed similar to icons 52A where abody would extend up from platform 50 and trough 524 would be formed inthe body. The surface of trough 524 will generally be smooth tofacilitate movement of CMM's probe (not shown) thereon. Movement of theprobe to generate the leafing operation could be, for example, to theleft or right as indicated by two-headed arrow 525 within functionactivation zone 58.

As described above, a first step in the process of the present inventionis to locate the off-line GUI image, i.e., step 202 in FIG. 3. As isknown in the art of CMM's, an object's location is determined byrecognizing multiple points thereon. Assuring accuracy in the locatingof the off-line GUI image will assure the accuracy with which thecontrol operation icons are defined within the coordinate space of theCMM. One way of achieving high accuracy in the locating process is toprovide at least three non-collinearly arranged reference positions.Accordingly, FIG. 7 illustrates three distinct reference positions 54distributed on GUI image 52. Positions 54 are non-collinear and arenon-coincident with any icons on GUI image 52. Positions 54 could bepresented as two-dimensional images (e.g., a cross-hair). To provide agreater degree of user confidence that reference positions 54 have beenaccurately located, reference positions 54 can be formed as depressionsdesigned to partially receive the CMM's probe. For example, FIG. 11illustrates a conical depression 540 formed in platform 50 for one ofreference positions 54. Depression 540 is sized/shaped such that probe102 can be partially received therein while fully contacting an annularregion of depression 540. In this way, an operator knows that when probe102 “bottoms out” in depression 540, probe 102 has accurately locatedreference position 54.

A particular arrangement of reference positions 54 could also be used toidentify the particular off-line GUI image (and the icons presentedthereby) to system 10. That is, each unique off-line GUI image couldhave a unique set of reference positions 54 associated therewith so thatlocating step 202 (FIG. 3) automatically invokes or incorporatesidentifying step 202A described above. In this way, system 10 knowswhich off-line GUI image will govern control/operations of system 10.

One of the great advantages of the present invention is the portabilityof the off-line GUI image and ease with which it can be placed whereneeded. However, the present invention is not so limited as the off-lineGUI image could also be permanently incorporated into/onto a workstation. For example, FIG. 12 illustrates a table 300 with a worksurface 302 defined thereby. Printed, painted or otherwise applied tosurface 302 is an off-line GUI image 62 presenting a number of icons 62Athereon. In this embodiment, the “platform” for the GUI image is formedby the print image media. Note that the off-line GUI image could also bepermanently constructed in three dimensions on surface 302 withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.

The advantages of the present invention are numerous. An operator of aportable CMM can greatly improve his metrology efficiency since theoperator can use the CMM's probe to also control operational modes ofthe CMM. The off-line GUI image is inexpensive and can be readilycustomized for a particular application. The system and method takeadvantage of the CMM's inherent operations to place operator control ofthe CMM at a location that best suits the particular operator andparticular metrology application.

Although the invention has been described relative to a specificembodiment thereof, there are numerous variations and modifications thatwill be readily apparent to those skilled in the art in light of theabove teachings. It is therefore to be understood that, within the scopeof the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than asspecifically described.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent ofthe United States is:
 1. An off-line graphical user interface (GUI)system for input control of a three-dimensional coordinate measuringmachine (CMM) using the CMM's probe, comprising: a passive physicalrepresentation of a GUI image existing in at least two dimensions, saidpassive physical representation of a GUI image presenting a plurality ofcontrol operation icons associated with the CMM, each of said controloperation icons being indicative of an operational function of the CMM;and a central processing unit (CPU) programmed to carry out a pluralityof functions, said CPU adapted to interface with the CMM, said CPU usingthe CMM to locate said passive physical representation of a GUI image ina coordinate system of the CMM; said functions including definingcoordinates of said control operation icons, referencing saidcoordinates to the coordinate system of the CMM, defining, for each ofsaid control operation icons, a respective three-dimensional spatialzone corresponding uniquely to each of said control operation icons,each said spatial zone extending from one of said control operationicons associated therewith, each said spatial zone referenced to thecoordinate system of the CMM and identifying, for said CPU, theoperational function of the CMM associated with said one of said controloperation icons, and defining, for each said spatial zone, a respectivethree-dimensional function activation zone that is volumetricallysmaller than and disposed within each said spatial zone, each saidfunction activation zone defining one of a plurality of specificmovements of the CMM's probe within said function activation zonerequired to activate the operational function of the CMM associated withone of said control operation icons corresponding thereto, wherein onlysatisfaction of said one of said plurality of specific movements causesthe operational function of the CMM to be carried out by the CMM.
 2. Asystem as in claim 1, wherein said passive physical representation of aGUI image exists in three dimensions.
 3. A system as in claim 1, whereinsaid passive physical representation of a GUI image further visuallypresents at least three reference positions, each of said referencepositions located on said passive physical representation of a GUI imagein an area thereof not coincident with said control operation icons,said at least three reference positions being non-collinear.
 4. A systemas in claim 3, wherein each of said reference positions comprises athree-dimensional feature.
 5. A system as in claim 3, wherein each ofsaid reference positions comprises a depression in said passive physicalrepresentation of a GUI image that is adapted to at least partiallyreceive the CMM's probe therein.
 6. A system as in claim 1, wherein saidCPU generates a first signal whenever the CMM's probe enters each saidspatial zone, and wherein said CPU generates a second signal wheneverthe CMM's probe enters each said function activation zone.
 7. A systemas in claim 6, further comprising at least one output device coupled tosaid CPU, wherein said first signal is applied to said at least oneoutput device to produce a first sensory output, and wherein said secondsignal is applied to said at least one output device to produce a secondsensory output that is different from said first sensory output.
 8. Asystem as in claim 7, wherein at least one of said first sensory outputand said second sensory output comprises a speech output.
 9. A system asin claim 1, wherein said plurality of specific movements of the CMM'sprobe includes movement of the CMM's probe into and then out of saidfunction activation zone within a predetermined period of time, movementof the CMM's probe into said function activation zone and retentiontherein, and movement of the CMM's probe into said function activationzone and subsequent movement therein.
 10. A system as in claim 1,wherein said passive physical representation of a GUI image comprisesimage media adapted to be applied on a surface.
 11. A system as in claim1, wherein said passive physical representation of a GUI image isportable.
 12. A system as in claim 1, wherein said passive physicalrepresentation of a GUI image is flexible.
 13. A system as in claim 1,further comprising an attachment device coupled to said passive physicalrepresentation of a GUI image and adapted to be coupled to a surface,wherein said passive physical representation of a GUI image is fixed inposition relative to the surface.
 14. An off-line graphical userinterface (GUI) system for input control of a three-dimensionalcoordinate measuring machine (CMM) using the CMM's probe, comprising: apassive physical representation of a GUI image existing in at least twodimensions, said passive physical representation of a GUI imagepresenting a plurality of control operation icons associated with theCMM, each of said control operation icons being indicative of anoperational function of the CMM, said passive physical representation ofa GUI image visually presenting at least three reference positions, eachof said reference positions located on said passive physicalrepresentation of a GUI image in an area thereof not coincident withsaid control operation icons, said at least three reference positionsbeing non-collinear; and a central processing unit (CPU) programmed tocarry out a plurality of functions, said CPU adapted to interface withthe CMM, said controller using the CMM to locate said passive physicalrepresentation of a GUI image in a coordinate system of the CMM usingsaid at least three reference positions, said functions includingdefining coordinates of said control operation icons; referencing saidcoordinates to the coordinate system of the CMM; defining athree-dimensional spatial zone corresponding uniquely to each of saidcontrol operation icons, each said spatial zone bounded in twodimensions by one of said control operation icons associated therewith,each said spatial zone extending in a third dimension from said one ofsaid control operation icons associated therewith and identifying, forsaid CPU, the operational function of the CMM associated with said oneof said control operation icons, wherein said two dimensions and saidthird dimension are referenced to the coordinate system of the CMM; anddefining a three-dimensional function activation zone that isvolumetrically smaller than and disposed within each said spatial zoneand adjacent to one of said control operation icons associatedtherewith, each said function activation zone defining one of aplurality of specific movements of the CMM's probe within said functionof the CMM associated with one of said control operation iconscorresponding thereto, wherein only satisfaction of said one of saidplurality of specific movements causes the operational function of theCMM to be carried out by the CMM.
 15. A system as in claim 14, whereinsaid passive physical representation of a GUI image exists in threedimensions.
 16. A system as in claim 14, wherein each of said referencepositions comprises a three-dimensional feature.
 17. A system as inclaim 14, wherein each of said reference positions comprises adepression in said passive physical representation of a GUI image thatis adapted to at least partially receive the CMM's probe therein.
 18. Asystem as in claim 14, wherein said CPU generates a first signalwhenever the CMM's probe enters each said spatial zone, and wherein saidcontroller generates a second signal whenever the CMM's probe enterseach said function activation zone.
 19. A system as in claim 18, furthercomprising at least one output device coupled to said CPU, wherein saidfirst signal is applied to said at least one output device to produce afirst sensory output, and wherein said second signal is applied to saidat least one output device to produce a second sensory output that isdifferent from said first sensory output.
 20. A system as in claim 19,wherein at least one of said first sensory output and said secondsensory output comprises a speech output.
 21. A system as in claim 14,wherein said plurality of specific movements of the CMM's probe includesmovement of the CMM's probe into and then out of said functionactivation zone within a predetermined period of time, movement of theCMM's probe into said function activation zone and retention therein,and movement of the CMM's probe into said function activation zone andsubsequent movement therein.
 22. A system as in claim 14, wherein saidpassive physical representation of a GUI image comprises image mediaadapted to be applied on a surface.
 23. A system as in claim 14, whereinsaid passive physical representation of a GUI image is portable.
 24. Asystem as in claim 14, wherein said passive physical representation of aGUI image is flexible.
 25. A system as in claim 14, further comprisingan attachment device coupled to said passive physical representation ofa GUI image and adapted to be coupled to a surface, wherein said passivephysical representation of a GUI image is fixed in position relative tothe surface.
 26. A method of controlling a three-dimensional coordinatemeasuring machine (CMM) using the CMM's probe and an off-line graphicaluser interface (GUI), comprising the steps of: providing a passivephysical representation of a GUI image in at least two dimensions, saidpassive physical representation of a GUI image presenting a plurality ofcontrol operation icons associated with the CMM, each of said controloperation icons being indicative of an operational function of the CMM;defining coordinates of said control operation icons; locating saidpassive physical representation of a GUI image in a coordinate system ofthe CMM using the CMM's probe; referencing said coordinates of saidcontrol operation icons to the coordinate system of the CMM; defining athree-dimensional spatial zone corresponding uniquely to each of saidcontrol operation icons, each said spatial zone extending from one ofsaid control operation icons associated therewith, each said spatialzone referenced to the coordinate system of the CMM and identifying, forsaid CPU, the operational function of the CMM associated with said oneof said control operation icons; defining a three-dimensional functionactivation zone that is volumetrically smaller than and disposed withineach said spatial zone, each said function activation zone defining oneof a plurality of specific movements of the CMM's probe within saidfunction activation zone required to activate the operational functionof the CMM associated with one of said control operation iconscorresponding thereto; positioning the CMM's probe in a selected onesaid Function activation zone; and moving the CMM's probe within saidselected one said function activation zone in accordance with said oneof said specific movements associated therewith, wherein onlysatisfaction of said one of said specific movements causes theoperational function of the CMM associated with one of said controloperation icons corresponding thereto to be carried out by the CMM. 27.A method according to claim 26, wherein passive physical representationof a GUI image exists in three dimensions.
 28. A method according toclaim 26, wherein said passive physical representation of a GUI imagefurther visually presents at least three reference positions, each ofsaid reference positions located on said passive physical representationof a GUI image in an area thereof not coincident with said controloperation icons, said reference positions being non-collinear, andwherein said step of locating includes the steps of: positioning theCMM's probe at one of said reference positions; recording a location ofthe CMM's probe so-positioned within the coordinate system of the CMM;and repeating said steps of positioning and recording for a remainder ofsaid reference positions.
 29. A method according to claim 28, whereinsaid step of locating includes the step of identifying said plurality ofcontrol operation icons associated with said passive physicalrepresentation of a GUI image using said reference positions.
 30. Amethod according to claim 28, wherein each of said reference positionscomprises a three-dimensional feature.
 31. A method according to claim28, wherein each of said reference positions comprises a depression insaid passive physical representation of a GUI image that is adapted toat least partially receive the CMM's probe therein.
 32. A methodaccording to claim 26, further comprising the steps of: generating afirst signal whenever the CMM's probe enters each said spatial zone; andgenerating a second signal whenever the CMM's probe enters each saidfunction activation zone.
 33. A method according to claim 32, furthercomprising the steps of: converting said first signal to a first sensoryoutput; and converting said second signal to a second sensory outputthat is different from said first sensory output.
 34. A method accordingto claim 33, wherein at least one of said first sensory output and saidsecond sensory output comprises audible speech.
 35. A method accordingto claim 26, wherein said plurality of specific movements of the CMM'sprobe includes movement of the CMM's probe into and then out of saidfunction activation zone within a predetermined period of time, movementof the CMM's probe into said function activation zone and retentiontherein, and movement of the CMM's probe into said function activationzone and subsequent movement therein.
 36. A method according to claim26, wherein said passive physical representation of a GUI imagecomprises image media, and wherein said step of providing comprises thestep of applying said image media to a surface.